The Commission is composed of five Commissioners, each of whom is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of six years. A Commissioner may continue to serve after the expiration of his or her term for up to one year or until a successor is confirmed.

At any time only three Commissioners may be members of the same party. The Chairman is designated by the President and usually is a member of the President's party. Currently the Commission is comprised of two Republicans and two Democrats. The names of the current Commissioners, their affiliation and term expiration dates are:

(D) Democrat, (I) Independent, (NYC) New York Conservative, (R) Republican